[Pliny the Elder] used to say that “no book was so bad but some good might be got out of it.” Pliny the Younger

January 14, 2010

good historical fiction creates a 'hallucination of experience'

Children's books author Vicky Alvear Shecter added some further thoughts to our discussion of Eagle of the Ninth:

You asked me to share my thoughts on EAGLE OF THE NINTH from last week's book club. I thoroughly enjoyed the book for many reasons, including the presence of a likeable, imperfect but brave main character; as well as rich descriptions, and excellent suspense. I read somewhere that good historical fiction creates a "hallucination of experience," which I thought perfectly described Sutcliff's mastery. I really felt like I was marching with the legions or hiding from enemies near mist-covered bogs. As a result, I didn't really get tripped up by the occasional credulity-stretching coincidence and the too-tidy, happy ending. By the way, I think the master of creating "hallucinatory experiences" of the ancient world is Steven Saylor. When will we discuss one of his works?

We did, some years back, and should do so again, Steven Saylor is a favorite of most of our book chat members. And he could join us for the chat ... we are fully booked this year, but there is always the next year.

Comments on "hallucination of experience" historical fiction are welcome.

Comments

good historical fiction creates a 'hallucination of experience'

Children's books author Vicky Alvear Shecter added some further thoughts to our discussion of Eagle of the Ninth:

You asked me to share my thoughts on EAGLE OF THE NINTH from last week's book club. I thoroughly enjoyed the book for many reasons, including the presence of a likeable, imperfect but brave main character; as well as rich descriptions, and excellent suspense. I read somewhere that good historical fiction creates a "hallucination of experience," which I thought perfectly described Sutcliff's mastery. I really felt like I was marching with the legions or hiding from enemies near mist-covered bogs. As a result, I didn't really get tripped up by the occasional credulity-stretching coincidence and the too-tidy, happy ending. By the way, I think the master of creating "hallucinatory experiences" of the ancient world is Steven Saylor. When will we discuss one of his works?

We did, some years back, and should do so again, Steven Saylor is a favorite of most of our book chat members. And he could join us for the chat ... we are fully booked this year, but there is always the next year.

Comments on "hallucination of experience" historical fiction are welcome.